12 Best Summer Jobs for Teens

A lifeguard can make anywhere from $7-$10 per hour. Lifeguarding is the perfect summer job – you get to tan, relax, and learn some responsibility. You can lend a helping hand in times of need. 

You may only make minimum wage as a golf caddy, but it would be a fun job anyway – not to mention, you’ll get a nice tan in the process. You’ll meet all kinds of interesting people on the golf course, make new friends and connections for future job opportunities, and you could get discounts on golf games. 

Retail jobs often pay minimum wage, but some can pay up to $10 per hour, depending on experience level. Retail jobs teach you about the business side of fashion and expose you to customer service expectations for almost any type of job you will have in the future. 

Babysitting can be a great summer job for teens. You can set your own price, but expect to make anywhere from $7-$10 per hour as a babysitter, depending on age and experience. Babysitting teaches you how to be responsible with kids so that you can take care of your own someday. 

These summer jobs often pay a modest wage. You could expect between $8-$10 per hour. Summer jobs and internships at Disney World present an awesome opportunity for teens to have fun and learn more about potential careers. Competition is fierce, but working at the most magical place on earth is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, no matter which job you land there. 

These positions don't always pay a wage; instead, you may get to stay at the camp and eat your meals for free. It’s a great summer opportunity regardless, where you get to work with other people your own age and have fun. As a camp counselor, you will learn how to communicate better and how to be better organized. 

If you enjoy working with animals, then pet sitting could be the perfect summer job for you. You can expect about $7-$10 per hour – more, depending on experience and the number of pets you’re watching. If you treat the pets well and gain the trust of the pets’ owners, you may be given access to other job opportunities as well, such as house sitting or babysitting. 

There’s no easier summer job than watching someone’s house. This may include cleaning or taking care of pets, so while pay may vary, you will typically get paid an average of $10 per hour in most cases. This can be a great stepping stone to another job in the future. 

Lawn care involves physical exercise and attention to detail. Lawn care can pay up to $10 per hour, depending on your location and the size of the yard you’re working on. If you decide to open up your own landscaping business, you can set your own rates. Lawn care teaches you discipline and establishes a good work ethic. 

Food service jobs may pay a low wage, but you will earn most of your money from tips. While it may not be the ideal way to spend your summer, you can actually earn a lot of money with a food service job. 

This job is perfect for young teens. You won't get paid much, but the job will teach you respect, hard work, and commitment. Those traits will serve you well during the rest of your professional life. Passing papers on your bike is a great form of exercise, as well.

With an internship, whether it be paid or unpaid, you will learn valuable skills that can translate to a successful career down the road. Look for internships in career fields that interest you the most.